ELKINS — An educator who has worked for the Randolph County Board of Education for nearly 30 years asked that her position not be terminated during the third evening of RIF (reduction in force) hearings at the Elkins High School theatre Wednesday.

Deborah White, who serves as coordinator of Staff Development and Instructional Resources in the BOE office, told board members, “For over 29 years the students have been my main priority, I have done everything I can for them, they are my babies. I’m here tonight because of the RIF letter I got.

“I understand that I’m federally funded for my salary, I understand what’s going on with the funding right now. But my question is, why was I terminated instead of put on transfer? There are two other coordinators below me… Why was I RIFed instead of put on transfer after 29 years?”

Board member Phil Chua asked why White was terminated instead of transferred.

Denise Fletcher, director of Personnel and Human Resources, said that the person below White was multi-classified and certified to work several other positions in the county.

“She (White) is in the classification of coordinator, which is the only classification that she (White) holds currently,” Fletcher said.

During the 5 ½ hours of hearings Wednesday evening, only five of the 15 employees requested that their hearings be open to the public. All five’s positions are slated for termination.

Shauna Prichard, school social worker at George Ward Elementary, spoke about the importance of social workers in schools and how they serve as a bridge between students and the resources they require. 

“I stand before you today to discuss something that is critical for the well-being and success of our students, and that is our school social work positions,” Prichard said. “As you know, social workers in our schools play a vital role in the development of our students. Addressing not only their academic needs, but also their social, emotional and mental health needs. I’m here to urge you to keep this position to ensure that we continue to provide what our students truly need.”

Hillary Shryock, school social worker at Jennings Randolph Elementary, told the BOE that her role in the county has been expanded and that she actually serves three schools as a social worker — Third Ward Elementary and Midland Elementary, in addition to Jennings Randolph.

“Thank you for the opportunity to address the Board this evening regarding the reduction in force, which has eliminated my job,” Shryock said. “My job is federally funded and I know that the Board is unsure whether this federal money will be available in the future. I hope and pray that it is…

“The core mission for me is students, parents and teachers support. Unfortunately, many of our elementary schools are faced with severe behavior problems, so severe that it affects the teachers’ ability to teach… I work hard every day and many days I go from crisis to crisis with barely time to breathe. But I believe in my work, I love being a social worker and believe that I can really make a difference. I see kids better and that makes it all worth it.

“Our teachers can’t perform these social services and keep up with teaching. There is not enough time in the day, they need help,” Shryock said. “I hope that you will continue to allow me to make a difference in Randolph County.”

Ashleigh Tenney, Communities in Schools site coordinator at Elkins Middle School, who was joined by her five children Wednesday evening, said students in the county will miss out on many resources if her position is eliminated. 

“I love my job, and I don’t know if a lot of people can say that, but I do, I love my job,” Tenney said. “I think that’s because I get to do good all day. That is literally what I do, I get to do good all day long and if I pause for a second, if I take a break, if I slow down, I may miss somebody. And I think that is the core of community in schools and that is the basis of what we do…

“I address needs all day long that can’t be accomplished in a classroom setting. When it comes to meeting the needs of public education there are several players involved – the parents, the students, the teachers, and the resources… If I am gone, I do worry about our students and worry that one will slip through the cracks. There will be teachers who are overburdened and I worry that the students will end up paying the price.”

Angela Vandevender, a remedial specialist at George Ward Elementary, said, “Being one of the last senior teachers in the Randolph County educational system, I realize that I’m always at risk of getting a (RIF) letter every year. However, I am not here on behalf of my seniority status, I’m here to advocate keeping a Title I Remedial Specialist at our school.

“Since stepping into this position there has alway been myself and two other title teachers, due to our enrollment and need. Now it is proposed that all these positions be eliminated for next year… If you cut some of these supporting positions, you are cutting into the foundation of education.”

Hearings took place for the following professional personnel recommended for transfer: Cynthia Bodkin, elementary literacy support specialist; Schell Hopwood, family and community engagement specialist; Eliabeth MacVean, Community in Schools site coordinator at Harman School; Brittany Wamsley, Community in Schools site coordinator at George Ward Elementary; Kristie Skidmore, Title I teacher at Coalton Elementary; Kelli Dyer, Title I teacher at Beverly Elementary; Elizabeth Curnutte, Title I teacher at Jennings Randolph Elementary; Nicole Herron, Title I teacher at Jennings Randolph Elementary; Kristy Given, Title I teacher at North Elementary; Susan Evick, Title I teacher at Third Ward Elementary; and Michelle Tenney, Title I teacher at Third Ward.

The RIF hearings were scheduled to continue Thursday night beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the EHS theatre. At the conclusion of those hearings, the BOE was scheduled to vote on all the RIF recommendations.